DINT: Pot grows lead to drug, gun charges

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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. -- Authorities say they have found two illegal pot grows in the county this week, leading to three arrests as well as gun and meth charges.

On Wednesday, officials from the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team say two Sheriff’s detectives investigating an unrelated tip in the Camas Valley area noticed indications of a Marijuana growing operation.

The initial investigation revealed a large, illegal garden which was eradicated in a joint operation combining the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the DINT team.

DINT eventually seized 90 growing Marijuana plants, which they say had the potential for one to four pounds of usable pot each.

Daniel Grenier, 51, was charged with both the unlawful manufacture and possession of a schedule one narcotic. Officials say a shotgun was seized from the scene as well.

On Thursday, DINT officers say they conducted an unrelated investigation on both private and public land in the Umpqua area west of Sutherlin.

They say that operation led to the seizure of 31 growing Marijuana plants, along with several plants that had already been eradicated.

Authorities say Donald Wayne Howard, 53, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including the Unlawful Manufacture and Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and a Felon in Possession of Restricted Weapon.

A .44 caliber pistol was seized from the scene along with several smaller weapons, and the case remains under investigation, Moore said.

49-year-old Erin Howard was also cited for Unlawful Possession and Manufacture of Marijuana, based on what Moore called evidence of being an accomplice.

Authorities say that there was no evidence of licensure under Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Program.